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Festival Whānau

Celebrating our long history, and those who have participated in Festivals over the years

Daphne Parkins – First Festival Participant

Click on the image to enjoy Daph Parkins’ reminiscences of being a participant in the very first Festival in 1939, under its inaugural Music Director George Martin. This video was featured in the 2025 Festival, which particularly celebrated those with prior Festival involvement, and included an Alumni choir.

Alumni Reflections

Alice Morgan, Saxophonist, Salina Fisher, Composer and Violinist, Todd Gibson-Cornish, Bassoonist, and Polly Ott, Soprano, who have all established careers as professional musicians, reflect on their time in the Music Festival and the important role it played in their musical development. To play the video, click on the image.

Sign up to Our Database

We warmly invite you to join our Festival Whānau database. Whether you have been personally involved with the Festival in the past, are currently, or simply have an interest in the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival, we would love to be in touch with you. 

Our aim for the future is to build back past connections and keep the festival family alive by sending occasional updates of interest. We look forward to you joining us by completing the form below.

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